Fred Travels

Mumbai has been the principal island on the Konkan belt known for its strategic location and the history of commercialization. To safeguard the city and its surrounding areas from invaders, many forts were built along the years surviving several eras and kings who ruled back then. One such fort of significance which still stands tall is the Vasai Fort, also known as the Bassein Fort located in Vasai village, near Mumbai. Today, this fort is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and holds national importance.

The Vasai Fort overlooks the Ulhas river and is one of the iconic places to visit in Mumbai. The quaint village of Vasai was first visited by the Portuguese in 1509 and was known as a ship building hub. Historians state that the Bassein Fort (as the Portuguese called it) was first built by Bahadur Shah, a Mughal emperor in the 1530’s. It was captured and destroyed by the Portuguese who then transformed its architecture to make a citadel and was under the Portuguese influence till 1739. In the 18th century, the Vasai Fort was captured by the Maratha rule under the army of Chimaji Appa who ruled here for 3 years before surrendering to the British in the first Anglo-Maratha war.

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With a glorying history to narrate, the Vasai Fort attracts many visitors throughout the year, especially during the Monsoon. Although the then mighty fort has now turned into ruins, visitors are yet marveled by many remains of Portuguese architecture. The entrance of the fort has huge wooden doors which were then encrusted with iron knobs. Visitors can climb up several watch-towers which still stand safe to have stunning panoramic views. Three chapels depicting 17th century Portuguese church facades still have decorated chisel markings on their stones. The southernmost of these has a well-preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling which is worth seeing. One can also see remains of broken ships and anchors in surrounding areas.

The fort is surrounded by the Arabian sea on three sides and has panoramic views making it an ideal location for photoshoots and Bollywood movie sets! Famous films like ‘Khamoshi’ and ‘Ram Gopal Varma’s Aag’ have used the backdrop of the Vasai fort in many of their scenes. The Vasai fort and its surrounding areas has also lately taken over by nature lovers to observe various species of plants, butterflies, birds and reptiles.

How to reach -

Vasai is easily accessible by road. Public transport like buses and taxis are available all over Mumbai. Its located about 73 kms from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. One can also take the Mumbai local train on the western line to reach Vasai station and take a local bus or auto-rikshaw to reach the fort.

Located close to the beautiful town of Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan is yet another delight in the Konkan region. Shrivardhan is also frequented by tourists, as this town is a peninsula overlooking several other beach towns like Diveagar and Kondivali. This quaint and rather quiet little town mesmerizes its visitors with dewy mornings and untouched beaches. Beach lovers looking to explore a non-commercial village beach must head to Shrivarshan!

HISTORY

The history of Shrivardhan dates to the reign of the Peshwas. Considered one of the oldest towns in Maharashtra, the Peshwas of Maharashtra have their origin here. Popular leaders like Balaji Vishwanath and Pehswa Bajirao have had their influences in this town. Paying a tribute to the Peshwa reign, a statue of Balaji Vishwanath was erected in 1988 in the ton center.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Rail
Mangaon is the nearest railway station about 45 kms from Shrivardhan and is well connected to major cities.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Winter is the best season to visit Shrivardhan as summers are blistering with the highest temperature of 39°C. The monsoon starts from the month of June & ends in September. One will surely enjoy the frequent rainfall here which is also considered to be a good time to visit Shrivardhan.

PLACES TO VISIT

• Shrivardhan Beach - One of the prominent attractions of the town - Untouched, clean & relatively less crowded, it is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra.


• Shri Lakshminarayan Temple - Standing since the time of the Peshwas, this temple is built in Hoysala architectural style. It is said that the idol in this temple is nearly 700 years old.


• Peshwa Memorial - Built in honour of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. The statue of Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa was built in 1988.


• Kushmeshwar Temple - It is famous for its stone carvings & is surrounded by the lush green valley of Kushmeshwar hills.

SHOPPING

The markets of Shrivardhan offer a lot to explore. Souvenirs from the region, local produce and home-made masalas and pickles are a favourite! One can also take home, dried fish, papads or fry-ems.

EATING OUT

Being a town in coastal Konkan, Shrivardhan is famous for its seafood. Restaurants here serve local and other Indian cuisine. They offer delicious seafood and take pride in serving the freshest catch of the day.

• Prasad Restaurant


• Kinara Beach Hotel


• Tavsalkar Khanaval


• Mejwani Restaurant

THINGS TO DO

You can hit the clean Shrivardhan beach or pay your respects at the Sri Laxminarayan temple. There are other beautiful beaches like Diveagar and Harihareshwar at very short distances from Shrivardhan & they are worth visiting.

The Sindhudurg,was built in 1664 AD on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan coast. Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg are twin forts from the days of Shivaji's time that is a historic place with its serene coastal beauty.

Reaching there:

Sindhudurg is just 510 km from Mumbai via the Goa Highway. The fort can be reached through a narrow a channel, between two small islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. Ferries ply at regular intervals from the Malvan port to the Sindhudurg fort.

By Road
Shortest Route From Mumbai: Kms: 489 via road (NH66)
Duration: 10 hrs 22 mins

From Goa : Kms: 135
Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins

By Rail
From Mumbai: Dadar - Sindhudurg
Duration: 8hrs 10 mins

From Goa: Madgaon - Sindhudurg
Duration: 2hrs

Things to do around the Fort:

• Malvan Marine Sanctuary - Rich in coral & marine life and can be visited throughout the year. Its main wildlife attractions are black-headed gulls, terns, plovers, water-fowl, ducks, egrets etc.

• Rock Garden - A beautiful garden that overlooks the Chivla beach.

• Scuba Diving - clear waters near the fort make it an an ideal place to Scuba Dive

• Snorkeling - It is a another popular activity to see coral reefs. Marine life & coral reefs can be seen while snorkeling, on the outer side of the Sindhudurg Fort walls.

• Shivrajeshwar Temple - Situated inside the Sindhudurg Fort. It was built by Shivaji Maharaj’s younger son, Rajaram in 1695 & dedicated in honor of his father.

• Queen’s Beach - A small beach situated, just outside the southern wall of the Sindhudurg Fort. It was the exclusive bathing spot of Queen Tarabai.

• Malvan Beach - The pristine beach is situated in Malvan and remains the most popular beaches.

• Jai Ganesh Mandir - built by the famous astrologer, Mr. Jayant Salgaonkar in 2004 & is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is now a major tourist attraction.

• Chivla Beach - It is a white sand beach located in Malvan. It is lined with coconut trees & has rocks at its end. Water sport activities can be done on this beach.

• Our Lady of Rosary Church - It is a Roman Catholic church situated in Malvan. It was built in 1815 & is considered as one of the most beautiful architecture in Sindhudurg District.

Eating places around the Fort :

• Atithi Bamboo Restaurant


• Hotel Chaitanya


• Aswad Veg Food


• Hotel Shirgaonkar


• Swami Family Restaurant


• Ocean’s Paradise Restaurant

The beautiful town on Harihareshwar is one of the most frequented one in the Konkan region. It is flanked by three hills making the weather here cooler than other beach-side towns. The town is also famous for its Shiva temple as locals believe the town to be blessed by Lord Harihareshwar. Another attraction is the River Savitri which enters the Arabian sea via this town. Harihareshwar also attracts a lot of tourists to experience the Olive Ridley turtle nesting during the rearing season.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road
Distance: Visitors can drive down the Konkan belt with a distance of just 200 kms enjoying mesmerizing views.
Duration:
Mumbai: 5 hrs
Pune: 4.5 hrs
Goa: 10.5 hrs

By Rail
About 60 kms away, the nearest railway station is Mangaon, near Harihareshwar. Major towns are well connected by railways.

By Air
The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the nearest airport to Harihareshwar.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The winter months from October to February are the best to visit Harihareshwar. Visitors can also plan to witness festivals like Diwali, Shivratri and Ganesh Chaturthi which are full of pomp and celebrations.

PLACES TO VISIT

• Harihareshwar Beach - Less famous than other beaches in Konkan but clean and secluded. Watching the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles is priceless!


• Kalbhairav Yogeshwari Temple - Ancient and renowned with beautiful architecture, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must visit in Harihareshwar.


• Harihareshwar Temple - It is believed that one must visit the smaller Kalbhairav temple first, before entering the main Harihareshwar temple which houses an ancient Shiva Linga.


• Ganesh Gully - Located by the beach, between two mountains, this narrow path is famous as it leads to a Ganesha temple at its peak.

SHOPPING

This tranquil beach holiday offers local produce which visitors can take back home. Shops around the main temples and beach shacks can be visited to take back souvenirs and Konkan delicacies. Fresh fruits and juices are popular in this town. Tourists can also buy fresh Kokum and Jambuls.

EATING OUT

Having religious importance, Hariahreshwar offers vegetarian delights to tourists along with the famous Konkani-Malwani cuisine. Kokum Sherbat and Sol Kadhi are among the must try beverages when in this area.

Top Restaurants:

• Nandanvan


• Sea View by MTDC


• Vishranti Residency

THINGS TO DO

Forget your woes as this breezy and quaint town relaxes you. Take a dip in the sea and enjoy the tranquility at the beach. Waters sports like paragliding and water surfing can be enjoyed too. Temple tours to pay respect to Lord Shiva can also be a part of the itinerary. Visitors can also plan to visit the nearby Kondivli beach.

Murud holds strong historical importance owing to the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. This town thus proudly welcomes tourists to explore its majestic forts along with the perfect beach-vacation! Murud is a picturesque town, lined with palm & coconut trees, sandy long beach and touristic sports to encounter - giving the tourist an ideal holiday venture to spend a long weekend here.

HISTORY

The town of Murud was once a capital of the Siddis of Janjira. Shivaji Maharaj tried to conquer the fort of Murud several times. It is still is one of the most important sea forts in Maharashtra, built 2 kms into the sea. Pride of Murud-Janjira, this fort stands tall with its gleaming grandeur, inviting history buffs to explore it in different shades. The town of Murud has a strong influence of the Siddis reign which can be felt all around. The Siddi palace stands even today on the outskirts of the village.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road
From Mumbai, enroute Alibaug by road which is 140 kms away, Murud is just a few kms ahead.

By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai is closest to Murud. - 142 kms away.

By Rail
Travellers can also reach Murud by rail, Roha being the closest railway station about 35 kms away from the main town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Avoiding the monsoon, Murud can be visited all year round. Although summer months are scorching, this town remains a favourite for beach activities and touring around.

PLACES TO VISIT

• Murud-Janjira - The famous marine fort located on a tiny island, off the sea is a must visit.


• Ahmedganj Palace - This palace housed the Nawabs of Janjira, now a private property. With gothic and Mughal architecture, this palace is mesmerizing.


• Datta Mandir - Located atop a hill, this red-domed temple houses a thre-headed idol of Lord Shri Datta who symbolizes the holy trinity of hindu scriptures.


• Padmadurg (Kasa Fort) - One of the five historical sea forts built by Shivaji Maharaj, the Kasa fort near Murud is a must see. The ferry ride to reach the fort is fun!


• Eidgah - Overlooking the Arabian sea, this open-air Mosque in Murud talks talks of the Mughal era and is a stunning monument to see.


• Khokari Tombs - Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, these massive tombs are nearly 500 years old. Janjira influence and historic tales to accompany, this place is a must visit.


• Garambi Dam - Constructed by Nawab Sir Siddi Ahmed Khan during the Siddi reign in memory of Queen Victoria, it is known as Victoria Jubilee Water Works and is located 8 kms from Murud.


• Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary - A wildlife refuge about 11 kms north of Murud. It was created in 1986 to preserve some of the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. It consists of 6979 hectares of forest, grasslands and wetlands.


• Kashid Beach - Located approximately 17 kms north of Murud. It is popular mainly because of its white sand deposits.

SHOPPING

The Khatu Mill in the main market is famous for its ‘masalas’ – a must take-away from Murud. The Jai Hanuman Hotel sells well known coconut barfi and chikki which locals adore. Also, being in the Konkan belt, delicacies from this region – masalas, pickles, fried fish, dried fruit products are some things which visitors must indulge in.

EATING OUT

Murud is a faourite for sea-food lovers. The Konkani cuisine can be enjoyed at various restaurants. The Patil Khanaval boasts to serve the best fish in Murud. Vegetarians can gorge over piping hot ‘batata vadas’ at Hotel Patils.

Top Restaurants -

• Patil Khanaval


• Paresh Restaurant


• Neel Restauarant


• Hotel Vinayak

THINGS TO DO

A calming walk on the beach, a dip in the ocean and enjoying the tranquility – everything is possible at Murud! Visiting forts, palaces and famous monuments must aslo be on the list. Visitors can also think of exploring nearby towns like – Nandgaon and Kashid. The peaceful charm of the town, great food and a rejuvenating experience – Murud awaits you!